The French Revolution

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the French Revolution in 1789. It discusses the events and public feeling leading up to and resulting in the revolution. The paper then goes on to discuss the repercussions of the revolution, particularly with regard to the type of government that was established. The paper concludes that the French Revolution was only partially successful in the short term.

From the Paper:

"While the Revolution managed to keep its promise of liberty, that promise was frequently touted as an inaliable human right alongside equality. The Revolution failed to give the French people equality. First, the Revolution did not result in immediate popular sovereignty. More meaningfully, the Revolution did not result in the type of large-scale property redistribution that would have permitted actual equality. There was a redistribution of property, but it went from the group of nobles to those who had taken power, and those who were among the least advantaged prior to the Revolution remained among the least advantaged following the Revolution. This was partially due to the poor themselves. In the beginning of the Revolution, the poor took on meaningful roles. In fact, masses of the poor were responsible for the more symbolic events of the French Revolution, such as the storming of the Bastille. However, when confronted with a weak government, the poor grew increasingly apathetic about revolutionary ideals, and began concentrating on day-to-day existence. Therefore, they were somewhat responsible for not becoming political equals during the Revolution."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Betts, R. (2000). "The French Revolution. Retrieved April 18, 2006 from Europe in Retrospect. Web site: http://www.britannia.com/history/euro/1/2_1.html

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